I HATE breastfeeding [rant]

So I need to rant a bit, my apologies..I know "breast is best" but I feel guilty for feeling this way because I HATE breast feeding and I know it's selfish.

My LO is 7 weeks old and we've been exclusively BF and had no problems with supply or latching on but..I hate smelling like milk all the time, or worrying about leaking through my shirt. I hate wearing breast pads, they itch me no matter what kind I try.I hate that it makes every outing is a major event- My doctors office usually involves at least a two hour wait and my LO eats every 2.5 hours so I either have to take her with me and nurse in public (which i hate) or pump milk..I hate pumping milk-- I'm not a dairy cow! I hate how everyone made it seem like BF was this magical cure all, guess what? My baby has an insane case of colic! I hate that breastfed babies eat more often and therefore sleep shorter amounts.I hate how much it coops me up in this house, because I simply don't want to deal with pumping milk for someone to watch her or nursing in public. I wish I was more comfortable with either but I can't help that I'm not.

Ughhh. Okay, I feel a little better. I know breast milk is the best thing for my baby and I've promised myself I would stick with it at least 6 months so.. 5 1/2 more to go I guess. That is the ONLY reason I'm doing it- for her health. I don't love it, I don't find it beautiful, I just want her to be healthy.

Great first post huh? haha.

So I need to rant a bit, my apologies..I know "breast is best" but I feel guilty for feeling this way because I HATE breast feeding and I know it's selfish.

My LO is 7 weeks old and we've been exclusively BF and had no problems with supply or latching on but..I hate smelling like milk all the time, or worrying about leaking through my shirt. I hate wearing breast pads, they itch me no matter what kind I try.I hate that it makes every outing is a major event- My doctors office usually involves at least a two hour wait and my LO eats every 2.5 hours so I either have to take her with me and nurse in public (which i hate) or pump milk..I hate pumping milk-- I'm not a dairy cow! I hate how everyone made it seem like BF was this magical cure all, guess what? My baby has an insane case of colic! I hate that breastfed babies eat more often and therefore sleep shorter amounts.I hate how much it coops me up in this house, because I simply don't want to deal with pumping milk for someone to watch her or nursing in public. I wish I was more comfortable with either but I can't help that I'm not.

Ughhh. Okay, I feel a little better. I know breast milk is the best thing for my baby and I've promised myself I would stick with it at least 6 months so.. 5 1/2 more to go I guess. That is the ONLY reason I'm doing it- for her health. I don't love it, I don't find it beautiful, I just want her to be healthy.

At some point, most of us can't take it anymore and want to give up. You won't always leak or need nursing pads, believe it or not. Eventually your baby will nurse less (when you start solids) and your boobs will start to feel normal. AND feedings will last like 5 minutes.

I had a very difficult time BF in the beginning and I had to pump exclusively until Ezra was 6 weeks old--she learned to latch, then got thrush in my nipples, and yes, we had our battles with colic; I had to watch what I eat and I still do with spicy stuff.

Ezra will be 8 mo on the 10th, and we are still nursing 7x a day.

Hang in there, momma! If you do a day will come when it has gotten so easy to BF and BF in public (with a cover), that 6 months will be here and you will wonder where the time went or why yoou wanted to give up nursing.

BUT, if it's causing you too much stress and you really, really don't like it, it's not for everyone. A happy mom=happy baby. Don't let people condemn you for how you choose to feed your baby:)

At some point, most of us can't take it anymore and want to give up. You won't always leak or need nursing pads, believe it or not. Eventually your baby will nurse less (when you start solids) and your boobs will start to feel normal. AND feedings will last like 5 minutes.

I had a very difficult time BF in the beginning and I had to pump exclusively until Ezra was 6 weeks old--she learned to latch, then got thrush in my nipples, and yes, we had our battles with colic; I had to watch what I eat and I still do with spicy stuff.

Ezra will be 8 mo on the 10th, and we are still nursing 7x a day.

Hang in there, momma! If you do a day will come when it has gotten so easy to BF and BF in public (with a cover), that 6 months will be here and you will wonder where the time went or why yoou wanted to give up nursing.

BUT, if it's causing you too much stress and you really, really don't like it, it's not for everyone. A happy mom=happy baby. Don't let people condemn you for how you choose to feed your baby:)

I have SO been there! I hated breastfeeding at first I told myself that I would go 6 months and I have to say that it does get eaiser and my little guy is now 8 months and I am still breastfeeding and have set a new goal to get to 9 months and then I think I can get to the 12 months. I am trying to do what is best for him even though I may not "love it" like everyone says you should. My little guy had a pretty bad case of colic too and night time was the worst part of my day it was like clock work from 4pm - 12am he would just scream! But when he turned 3 months it just stopped, so I hope it is the same for you.

I have SO been there! I hated breastfeeding at first I told myself that I would go 6 months and I have to say that it does get eaiser and my little guy is now 8 months and I am still breastfeeding and have set a new goal to get to 9 months and then I think I can get to the 12 months. I am trying to do what is best for him even though I may not "love it" like everyone says you should. My little guy had a pretty bad case of colic too and night time was the worst part of my day it was like clock work from 4pm - 12am he would just scream! But when he turned 3 months it just stopped, so I hope it is the same for you.

I can so identify with everything that you posted - I wasn't able to breast feed my son for a variety of reasons and was determined to with my daughter - she's almost 6 months and i've just started suplementing with formula - i wasn't pumping enough for her while at work-one of my reasons for breast feeding was to prevent excema (which my son has) and it seems like her skin is even more sensitive than his! she had started sleeping for about 8 hours a night at about 4 1/2 months and then when I added the formula she's sleeping less- I know it's so good for her but it's really tough- I did overcome my fear of feeding in public - had to when we were out one day and she got really hungry!! and I think I will continue to breast feed her in the morning and at night as long as I can but I'm looking forward to when she is done!

I can so identify with everything that you posted - I wasn't able to breast feed my son for a variety of reasons and was determined to with my daughter - she's almost 6 months and i've just started suplementing with formula - i wasn't pumping enough for her while at work-one of my reasons for breast feeding was to prevent excema (which my son has) and it seems like her skin is even more sensitive than his! she had started sleeping for about 8 hours a night at about 4 1/2 months and then when I added the formula she's sleeping less- I know it's so good for her but it's really tough- I did overcome my fear of feeding in public - had to when we were out one day and she got really hungry!! and I think I will continue to breast feed her in the morning and at night as long as I can but I'm looking forward to when she is done!

I totally understand. My daughter is 10 weeks old on Tuesday, and up until the 7 week mark, we were still having problems with breastfeeding. Wren did not have a latching problem, but I had cracked nipples that took all of those 7 weeks to heal, and a thrush infection that took quite a while to get rid of. I wanted to switch to formula so bad. I did NOT want to continue to breast feed her, because of the pain.

I solved my problems by talking to a best friend of mine who breastfed her kiddo til he was almost 2 (im not going to feed mine that long, probibly til she is 1), so she was able to provide me with some resources and advice.

One thing I had people remind me of to keep me from switching was 'for my daughters health'. My familia has a history of asthma and allergies (im asthmatic and allergic to peanuts). I wanted to make sure that Wren would have the best possible start against both of these.

I PROMISE that feeding will get better. Your young one will start to sleep longer at nap time and night time (Wren sleeps 7 or so hours at night, and two 3 hour naps during the day). You will start to get your boobs back to yourself! Another thing that totally makes it worth while is when your little one starts to smile at you while feeding. It really does melt your heart. Wren has started doing that...im not really a sentimental person, but that just...makes me feel SO GOOD about what I am doing.

I totally understand. My daughter is 10 weeks old on Tuesday, and up until the 7 week mark, we were still having problems with breastfeeding. Wren did not have a latching problem, but I had cracked nipples that took all of those 7 weeks to heal, and a thrush infection that took quite a while to get rid of. I wanted to switch to formula so bad. I did NOT want to continue to breast feed her, because of the pain.

I solved my problems by talking to a best friend of mine who breastfed her kiddo til he was almost 2 (im not going to feed mine that long, probibly til she is 1), so she was able to provide me with some resources and advice.

One thing I had people remind me of to keep me from switching was 'for my daughters health'. My familia has a history of asthma and allergies (im asthmatic and allergic to peanuts). I wanted to make sure that Wren would have the best possible start against both of these.

I PROMISE that feeding will get better. Your young one will start to sleep longer at nap time and night time (Wren sleeps 7 or so hours at night, and two 3 hour naps during the day). You will start to get your boobs back to yourself! Another thing that totally makes it worth while is when your little one starts to smile at you while feeding. It really does melt your heart. Wren has started doing that...im not really a sentimental person, but that just...makes me feel SO GOOD about what I am doing.

Oh GAWDDDD... I didn't realize it at the time, but I think I had moments (okay, maybe days LOL) like that in the beginning too, days when I absolutely despised my role as a dairy cow. waking up in a POOL of that sickly sweet milk smell...soaking wet. One breast leaking (obscene amounts of fluid!) while the other was being "used." sitting for HOURS watching crappy TV b/c all my daughter wanted to do was nurse... Struggling to not "flash" anyone in public, wanting to chop my nipples off, ITCHy breast pads! UUGHHH!

Then they nurse less and start sleeping through the night... (YEAHHH!!)

Nursing in public is not something I even THINK about anymore, she goes at LEAST 4 hours between daytime feedings, and she'll take a sippy with whole milk. So I'm not obligated to nurse if I don't feel comfortable.

We're down to 3-5 sessions a day, and honestly I am SOOO GLAD I stuck with it! My TODDLER runs all over the house and doesn't even want to cuddle anymore. I LOVE breastfeeding now, more than ever... It's the only quiet, peaceful time we have together.

So, my advice? stick with it, I know, it sucks in the beginning, but it will be worth it for those precious moments you get a few months from now. =) Good luck!

Oh GAWDDDD... I didn't realize it at the time, but I think I had moments (okay, maybe days LOL) like that in the beginning too, days when I absolutely despised my role as a dairy cow. waking up in a POOL of that sickly sweet milk smell...soaking wet. One breast leaking (obscene amounts of fluid!) while the other was being "used." sitting for HOURS watching crappy TV b/c all my daughter wanted to do was nurse... Struggling to not "flash" anyone in public, wanting to chop my nipples off, ITCHy breast pads! UUGHHH!

Then they nurse less and start sleeping through the night... (YEAHHH!!)

Nursing in public is not something I even THINK about anymore, she goes at LEAST 4 hours between daytime feedings, and she'll take a sippy with whole milk. So I'm not obligated to nurse if I don't feel comfortable.

We're down to 3-5 sessions a day, and honestly I am SOOO GLAD I stuck with it! My TODDLER runs all over the house and doesn't even want to cuddle anymore. I LOVE breastfeeding now, more than ever... It's the only quiet, peaceful time we have together.

So, my advice? stick with it, I know, it sucks in the beginning, but it will be worth it for those precious moments you get a few months from now. =) Good luck!

I hated bf at first too. I hated smelling like milk. I hated that he had to nurse so often. It was so hard nursing all the time all day and night long. I cried a lot. now my son is one and still nursing. It got better. I actually never leaked so I didn't have to worry about that and the smell went away. Or I got use to it. The first three months were awful for me.I only did it because it was best I felt. But now I love it. Well not really I'm so done nursing my son just isn't.

I hated bf at first too. I hated smelling like milk. I hated that he had to nurse so often. It was so hard nursing all the time all day and night long. I cried a lot. now my son is one and still nursing. It got better. I actually never leaked so I didn't have to worry about that and the smell went away. Or I got use to it. The first three months were awful for me.I only did it because it was best I felt. But now I love it. Well not really I'm so done nursing my son just isn't.

I had a lot of the same feeling as you with my first daughter. I never breastfed in public and she was a little colic. Totally different story with baby number two since my two year old needs to get out and play. It does definately get better.

See if your baby will accecpt formula and use that for outings or at night. Especially if you are at your breaking point.

Start out nursing at friends houses, around family, go to the car, or even a dressing room when out until you are comfortable nursing in public.

I had a lot of the same feeling as you with my first daughter. I never breastfed in public and she was a little colic. Totally different story with baby number two since my two year old needs to get out and play. It does definately get better.

I'm so sorry you feel this way!! But I commend you on your strength to continue to bf even though it's such a huge sacrifice for you! You should really give yourself some credit! I do hope it gets easier or you become more comfortable. Also, Every day your LO has breast milk is better than none, so I say don't feel guilty if you choose to go another with another option. Do what is right for you and your family! Good luck!

I'm so sorry you feel this way!! But I commend you on your strength to continue to bf even though it's such a huge sacrifice for you! You should really give yourself some credit! I do hope it gets easier or you become more comfortable. Also, Every day your LO has breast milk is better than none, so I say don't feel guilty if you choose to go another with another option. Do what is right for you and your family! Good luck!

I commend you on your commitment to breastfeed in spite of all the annoyances that come along with it. Let's face it, it would be much easier to give up and bottle feed your baby. Only a very small percentage of mothers successfully breastfeed their babies at all and even less continue beyond six months. It is just that: a COMMITMENT. It's not always convenient, leaking and bra pads and smelling like milk IS annoying! I am nursing my sixth child, he is three and a half months now. I have spent the majority of my adult years pregnant or breastfeeding. But let me tell you something, in light of your baby's babyhood, it's a very short time to give something so very unique and good and special to your precious loved one. Breastmilk IS the perfect food. Only you can give that to your child. The benefits scientifically proven blow commercial formula out of the water. Formula doesn't even compare to God's design. You are fortunate that you CAN breastfeed as many women who desire to nurse either cannot make enough milk or have to go back to work. It may be annoying at times, and you are definitely allowed to vent!Like most of these posts from other experienced Nursers have encouraged you, I too want to remind you: IT DOES GET BETTER! It gets easier, the baby nurses less frequently, it's more comfortable to nurse in public.(who cares if someone gets a "free peek", boobs are for feeding babies) Our culture has a warped sense of sexuality, especially when it comes to a woman's body. There's a physiological naturalness, not an offensive act, about breastfeeding, and if someone has a problem with you breastfeeding in public, it's exactly that:THEIR PROBLEM. Your baby has a basic and fundamental right to nurse wherever and whenever she needs nutrition or comfort. It gets easier to nurse discretely and not worry so much, I promise.I have had my fair share of problems including sore cracked nipples due to candida(yeast, thrush), decreased milk supply due to having a fever with the flu(a screaming starving baby), and a baby who refuses anything but me. Nursing a baby is a unique and special experience to me. I know it will only truly be a short time that we can share this.

I commend you on your commitment to breastfeed in spite of all the annoyances that come along with it. Let's face it, it would be much easier to give up and bottle feed your baby. Only a very small percentage of mothers successfully breastfeed their babies at all and even less continue beyond six months. It is just that: a COMMITMENT. It's not always convenient, leaking and bra pads and smelling like milk IS annoying! I am nursing my sixth child, he is three and a half months now. I have spent the majority of my adult years pregnant or breastfeeding. But let me tell you something, in light of your baby's babyhood, it's a very short time to give something so very unique and good and special to your precious loved one. Breastmilk IS the perfect food. Only you can give that to your child. The benefits scientifically proven blow commercial formula out of the water. Formula doesn't even compare to God's design. You are fortunate that you CAN breastfeed as many women who desire to nurse either cannot make enough milk or have to go back to work. It may be annoying at times, and you are definitely allowed to vent!Like most of these posts from other experienced Nursers have encouraged you, I too want to remind you: IT DOES GET BETTER! It gets easier, the baby nurses less frequently, it's more comfortable to nurse in public.(who cares if someone gets a "free peek", boobs are for feeding babies) Our culture has a warped sense of sexuality, especially when it comes to a woman's body. There's a physiological naturalness, not an offensive act, about breastfeeding, and if someone has a problem with you breastfeeding in public, it's exactly that:THEIR PROBLEM. Your baby has a basic and fundamental right to nurse wherever and whenever she needs nutrition or comfort. It gets easier to nurse discretely and not worry so much, I promise.I have had my fair share of problems including sore cracked nipples due to candida(yeast, thrush), decreased milk supply due to having a fever with the flu(a screaming starving baby), and a baby who refuses anything but me. Nursing a baby is a unique and special experience to me. I know it will only truly be a short time that we can share this.

First of all don't feel guilty for how you feel! You're a great mom, breastfeeding DOES suck the first couple months! I was begging for the formula some nights but my husband kept reminding me why bfing was so important to me, and to this day my son has never had a drop of formula! It makes me so proud to say, I have grown this kid from 7lbs to 25 all on my own and he is strong and healthy and smart because of it! You are doing a great thing & I promise it will start to feel like less of a sacrifice. Around 3 or 4 months is when I started to love bfing. He was eating less so pumping, leaking, and nursing in public were less of an issue (or not an issue) and I started losing a ton of weight just by sitting on my butt lol & I felt the bonding was incredible. I still do! I promise it gets better!! You are doing a fabulous job & need to be proud of yourself! Keep it up mama!

Hey mama!

First of all don't feel guilty for how you feel! You're a great mom, breastfeeding DOES suck the first couple months! I was begging for the formula some nights but my husband kept reminding me why bfing was so important to me, and to this day my son has never had a drop of formula! It makes me so proud to say, I have grown this kid from 7lbs to 25 all on my own and he is strong and healthy and smart because of it! You are doing a great thing & I promise it will start to feel like less of a sacrifice. Around 3 or 4 months is when I started to love bfing. He was eating less so pumping, leaking, and nursing in public were less of an issue (or not an issue) and I started losing a ton of weight just by sitting on my butt lol & I felt the bonding was incredible. I still do! I promise it gets better!! You are doing a fabulous job & need to be proud of yourself! Keep it up mama!

I feel the same way right now - My little one is 6 weeks old - I really thought breastfeeding was going to be some magical bond b/t me and the baby, but I really only find it annoying right now :( I also thought I wouldn't mind bfing in public but apparently some modesty gene clicked on after giving birth and even with my fancy cover I can't force myself to feed anywhere other than the car (only once because she had to eat). I am also committed to at least 6 months - reading the other posts I have hope that it will get better and we'll make it a year. I'm not very helpful but your post made me feel a little less crazy!

I feel the same way right now - My little one is 6 weeks old - I really thought breastfeeding was going to be some magical bond b/t me and the baby, but I really only find it annoying right now :( I also thought I wouldn't mind bfing in public but apparently some modesty gene clicked on after giving birth and even with my fancy cover I can't force myself to feed anywhere other than the car (only once because she had to eat). I am also committed to at least 6 months - reading the other posts I have hope that it will get better and we'll make it a year. I'm not very helpful but your post made me feel a little less crazy!

ok that sounds a little abbrasivebut..deep down, i agree with everything you said. that's what this board is for thought. there's strength in numbers and you need support.

first. gripe water,get it from walgreens. it helps.with the colic/grunting.

second, vitamins, are you taking them? might take the edge off.

i breast fed my first for 3 months and quit for every reason yoi just listed. i regret it so don't quit. i have concluded that most of those reason revolve around other people so you know what? screw other people. this is your babie's future/health. just relax, relish in the fact that its free and it is monumentally rewarding(chemistry wise). and show your boobies! ha! seriously though, think about it. you can choose to get stressed out about someone seeing tatas for the umpteenth time and sit home instead or you can go to the mall, get out ofthe house and if needed, go to the restroom/dressing room, get situated andthen shop some more and if someone gets a glance, good for them(ask for a doller).

i totally know how you feel though. i am preaching to my self. also, invest in nursing clothes(i didn't do that the first time and thus gave up). and nursing shawls. the key is to go to the restroom and get the baby situated and then go back in public.

ok that sounds a little abbrasivebut..deep down, i agree with everything you said. that's what this board is for thought. there's strength in numbers and you need support.

first. gripe water,get it from walgreens. it helps.with the colic/grunting.

second, vitamins, are you taking them? might take the edge off.

i breast fed my first for 3 months and quit for every reason yoi just listed. i regret it so don't quit. i have concluded that most of those reason revolve around other people so you know what? screw other people. this is your babie's future/health. just relax, relish in the fact that its free and it is monumentally rewarding(chemistry wise). and show your boobies! ha! seriously though, think about it. you can choose to get stressed out about someone seeing tatas for the umpteenth time and sit home instead or you can go to the mall, get out ofthe house and if needed, go to the restroom/dressing room, get situated andthen shop some more and if someone gets a glance, good for them(ask for a doller).

i totally know how you feel though. i am preaching to my self. also, invest in nursing clothes(i didn't do that the first time and thus gave up). and nursing shawls. the key is to go to the restroom and get the baby situated and then go back in public.

I understand your frustration! There was a time that I felt very similar. I went through a stage of "I just want to have my body to myself for a while". But I stuck with it and now have both a 2 year old and a 7 month old I am nursing.

I hope you too will feel better about it at some point. It does become much easier after a while. You will feel more comfortable and won't leak as much so you won't need the nursing pads (in most cases). Best wishes to you! And know that its good to let out your frustrations occasionally....otherwise you'd break!

I understand your frustration! There was a time that I felt very similar. I went through a stage of "I just want to have my body to myself for a while". But I stuck with it and now have both a 2 year old and a 7 month old I am nursing.

I hope you too will feel better about it at some point. It does become much easier after a while. You will feel more comfortable and won't leak as much so you won't need the nursing pads (in most cases). Best wishes to you! And know that its good to let out your frustrations occasionally....otherwise you'd break!

3.5 months ago i felt the exact same...and we had troubles bf..b/c he wouldn't latch....also he got acid reflux so he was screaming blue murder when i was feeding him...now....he gets fussy at the breast and pulls off alot...or he gets distracted....also he's begun teething...but.......

i like how it is food on the go.....also..there is no waste b/c he drinks what he needs.....also..i shunned the stupid nursing cover...more trouble than it's worth...i just whip it out....as discreetly as possible..but if ya see a boob..i really don't give a rats hoot!lol

I do love how he wraps his finger around mine when he feeds...or when he pulls off near the end..looks up at me a coos at me...i do want to supplment with formula though at 6 months to gain a bit a freedom back..and send him to grandmas for sleepovers..so we can get some sleep...but my goal was 6 months...it still may be..but it may go more... but I have to say....IT'S NOT EASY..IT NEVER WAS...NEVER WILL BE....for me that is...BUT...I WILL TRY AND DO IT FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE..(JUST NOT PAST A YEAR...YIKES..TOO LONG FOR ME)...but i know how you feel.....:)

kim

3.5 months ago i felt the exact same...and we had troubles bf..b/c he wouldn't latch....also he got acid reflux so he was screaming blue murder when i was feeding him...now....he gets fussy at the breast and pulls off alot...or he gets distracted....also he's begun teething...but.......

i like how it is food on the go.....also..there is no waste b/c he drinks what he needs.....also..i shunned the stupid nursing cover...more trouble than it's worth...i just whip it out....as discreetly as possible..but if ya see a boob..i really don't give a rats hoot!lol

I do love how he wraps his finger around mine when he feeds...or when he pulls off near the end..looks up at me a coos at me...i do want to supplment with formula though at 6 months to gain a bit a freedom back..and send him to grandmas for sleepovers..so we can get some sleep...but my goal was 6 months...it still may be..but it may go more... but I have to say....IT'S NOT EASY..IT NEVER WAS...NEVER WILL BE....for me that is...BUT...I WILL TRY AND DO IT FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE..(JUST NOT PAST A YEAR...YIKES..TOO LONG FOR ME)...but i know how you feel.....:)

Vent away mama! I had a lot of issues in the beginning that left me in tears and wondering WTH I was doing it. Its great now though and I'm glad I stuck with it. It does get better! No leaking, no breast pads, no constant nursing, for most (but not me :( ) uninterrupted sleep too! But, if you find yourself really resenting what you're doing after some more time, then please talk to someone. Happy mommas = Happy babies however they are fed.

Vent away mama! I had a lot of issues in the beginning that left me in tears and wondering WTH I was doing it. Its great now though and I'm glad I stuck with it. It does get better! No leaking, no breast pads, no constant nursing, for most (but not me :( ) uninterrupted sleep too! But, if you find yourself really resenting what you're doing after some more time, then please talk to someone. Happy mommas = Happy babies however they are fed.

you sound like me! but trust me it gets easier!! i promise. i don't like breastfeeding either, but just remember you truly are giving your baby the BEST gift - especially with the flu going around like it is this year (1 out of three people is supposed to get the swine flu) your breast milk is THE best protection your baby has against that. try pumping a lot and bottle-feeding your breast milk to him. sometimes i do that on days when i just feel like i've been nursing all day, non-stop. it's great to get a break every now and then. take bottles on the road with you. and maybe get used to hand-expressing. for me, it's quicker, easier, and quieter than pumping, and i can just go to the bathroom when we're out and take ten minutes to empty one breast and get 4 oz of milk.

you sound like me! but trust me it gets easier!! i promise. i don't like breastfeeding either, but just remember you truly are giving your baby the BEST gift - especially with the flu going around like it is this year (1 out of three people is supposed to get the swine flu) your breast milk is THE best protection your baby has against that. try pumping a lot and bottle-feeding your breast milk to him. sometimes i do that on days when i just feel like i've been nursing all day, non-stop. it's great to get a break every now and then. take bottles on the road with you. and maybe get used to hand-expressing. for me, it's quicker, easier, and quieter than pumping, and i can just go to the bathroom when we're out and take ten minutes to empty one breast and get 4 oz of milk.

I also felt the same way for the first few months. However, over the last month or so, it has gotten to be more enjoyable and much easier. I also don't like the idea of nursing in public, there is a whole lot of anxiety around it for me and I worry everytime I leave my house. My daughter only eats 5 times a day now and every 3 hours and sleeps 12 hours at night without formula. I would suggest you buy and read Baby Wise. It has helped us get on a better schedule, making it much easier on me and more comfortable about leaving my house. I don't agree with everything in the book, like letting the baby cry herself to sleep all the time, but it has some good points in it. Do what you feel is right for you and your baby though. If you absolutely hate it, don't do it anymore. And don't feel guilty about anything. You're a great mom whatever your baby is fed,...just as long as she IS fed! Please feel free to e-mail me if you have anymore questions. I would love to help more.

I also felt the same way for the first few months. However, over the last month or so, it has gotten to be more enjoyable and much easier. I also don't like the idea of nursing in public, there is a whole lot of anxiety around it for me and I worry everytime I leave my house. My daughter only eats 5 times a day now and every 3 hours and sleeps 12 hours at night without formula. I would suggest you buy and read Baby Wise. It has helped us get on a better schedule, making it much easier on me and more comfortable about leaving my house. I don't agree with everything in the book, like letting the baby cry herself to sleep all the time, but it has some good points in it. Do what you feel is right for you and your baby though. If you absolutely hate it, don't do it anymore. And don't feel guilty about anything. You're a great mom whatever your baby is fed,...just as long as she IS fed! Please feel free to e-mail me if you have anymore questions. I would love to help more.

I had twins in January (they are almost 9 mo now), and started out breastfeeding both. We had latch issues and then thrush in the beginning. Then, due to jaundice, our pediatrician recommended Emily have only formula for 48 hours-which we followed. Hannah continued to breastfeed. Ever since then, Emily will not nurse. We saw FOUR lactation consultants, an occupational therapist and went to a feeding clinic at the local hospital. We tried a supplemental nursing, every position possible, cuddling skin-to-skin, and I even tried "forcing" her to nurse by offering breast before, during, and after a bottle of breast milk. She wouldn't budge. After she bit me really hard for the umpteenth time, I decided enough is enough and now she just gets a bottle. So, I still supply milk for 2 babies, but only nurse one. I have to pump for Emily. Is it hard? YES. I would much prefer to have 2 nursing babies-mostly because I'm selfish and that would be easier for me. Now that they are older, I only have to pump twice a day-although sometimes I can get in a third time. She gets one or two formula bottles during the night-she still doesn't sleep all night-wakes up twice! My husband has always preferred to give her formula at night, so I don't stress about it. Hannah nurses exclusively-won't take a bottle or sippy cup. And, she sleeps all night unless Emily screams too loud and wakes her up.

I rarely get engorged and leak, although I do if I'm not able to pump before bed. That is the only time I wear breast pads-if I can't pump. My advice? Hang in there. It will get easier-much easier. You will be able to go longer between feedings when you can provide snacks and foods. I frequently give Cheerios in lieu of breastfeeding if I need to tide her over for a little bit. But, I breastfeed in public all the time-sometimes I use a cover and sometimes I just lay a cloth diaper over my exposed skin-usually Hannah will fight with the cover, which makes us more of a spectacle. I also go out to the car and feed a lot too, just so we don't have to worry about being seen-and Hannah has started humming while nursing...embarasses my husband, but I couldn't care less.

Don't mean to be so long-winded, but these are babies 4 & 5 for me. I breastfed my first one for a few months, but knew NOTHING about latch, engorgement, pumping, or anything else so I failed miserably at nursing. The next 2 I didn't even try because of the pain from the first one, but then decided to try with the twins because I figured they'd need the extra boost from breastmilk. I've been surprised at how successful we've been-the only thing that would make this experience better is if Emily would nurse.

Good luck to you, and don't feel guilty for the way you feed your baby. Do what is most comfortable for you, that's the most important thing.

I had twins in January (they are almost 9 mo now), and started out breastfeeding both. We had latch issues and then thrush in the beginning. Then, due to jaundice, our pediatrician recommended Emily have only formula for 48 hours-which we followed. Hannah continued to breastfeed. Ever since then, Emily will not nurse. We saw FOUR lactation consultants, an occupational therapist and went to a feeding clinic at the local hospital. We tried a supplemental nursing, every position possible, cuddling skin-to-skin, and I even tried "forcing" her to nurse by offering breast before, during, and after a bottle of breast milk. She wouldn't budge. After she bit me really hard for the umpteenth time, I decided enough is enough and now she just gets a bottle. So, I still supply milk for 2 babies, but only nurse one. I have to pump for Emily. Is it hard? YES. I would much prefer to have 2 nursing babies-mostly because I'm selfish and that would be easier for me. Now that they are older, I only have to pump twice a day-although sometimes I can get in a third time. She gets one or two formula bottles during the night-she still doesn't sleep all night-wakes up twice! My husband has always preferred to give her formula at night, so I don't stress about it. Hannah nurses exclusively-won't take a bottle or sippy cup. And, she sleeps all night unless Emily screams too loud and wakes her up.

I rarely get engorged and leak, although I do if I'm not able to pump before bed. That is the only time I wear breast pads-if I can't pump. My advice? Hang in there. It will get easier-much easier. You will be able to go longer between feedings when you can provide snacks and foods. I frequently give Cheerios in lieu of breastfeeding if I need to tide her over for a little bit. But, I breastfeed in public all the time-sometimes I use a cover and sometimes I just lay a cloth diaper over my exposed skin-usually Hannah will fight with the cover, which makes us more of a spectacle. I also go out to the car and feed a lot too, just so we don't have to worry about being seen-and Hannah has started humming while nursing...embarasses my husband, but I couldn't care less.

Don't mean to be so long-winded, but these are babies 4 & 5 for me. I breastfed my first one for a few months, but knew NOTHING about latch, engorgement, pumping, or anything else so I failed miserably at nursing. The next 2 I didn't even try because of the pain from the first one, but then decided to try with the twins because I figured they'd need the extra boost from breastmilk. I've been surprised at how successful we've been-the only thing that would make this experience better is if Emily would nurse.

Good luck to you, and don't feel guilty for the way you feed your baby. Do what is most comfortable for you, that's the most important thing.

Your body still makes the colostrum, it is just mixed with real milk. When Carter was first born he wouldn't eat for long at all because he was getting milk with his colostrum and most newborns tummies aren't used to that. So it took a few days for him to get adjusted. But other than that it was perfectly fine! I just always make sure that he nurses first so that he can get full and then I let his sister nurse. Or I tandem nurse so. Although they are both getting so big its becoming more difficult to let them nurse at the same time----just not enough room!

Your body still makes the colostrum, it is just mixed with real milk. When Carter was first born he wouldn't eat for long at all because he was getting milk with his colostrum and most newborns tummies aren't used to that. So it took a few days for him to get adjusted. But other than that it was perfectly fine! I just always make sure that he nurses first so that he can get full and then I let his sister nurse. Or I tandem nurse so. Although they are both getting so big its becoming more difficult to let them nurse at the same time----just not enough room!

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